Annah Moraa Ondieki tells her journey to become a physicist, hoping it will inspire other African women to take this field
I am Annah Moraa Ondieki, born and raised in a lush and hilly region in southwestern Kenya. My journey in the field of physics has been a remarkable one, filled with incredible opportunities, beginning with a humble background and evolving into a pursuit of advanced research and mentorship. I am deeply honored to share my story with the hope of inspiring others and highlighting the importance of education and mentorship.
I grew up with a keen interest in the sciences and mathematics, which led me to Maseno University, where I pursued an undergraduate degree in science majoring in physics with mathematics as a minor. My dedication and passion for the subject were reflected in my academic performance, and in 2016 I graduated with a First Class Honours. However, my journey was far from over. With a burning desire to advance my studies in physics, I sought opportunities for sponsorship and further training.
Scholarship opportunity
Fortune smiled upon me when I was selected in 2017 for a sponsored basic training program in astronomy through the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) initiative, in collaboration with the Technical University of Kenya. This experience not only deepened my knowledge of space exploration, but also opened new avenues for my academic and professional growth.
This encouraged me to apply for a Master of Science degree in physics at the University of Nairobi (UoN), but I could not enroll due to financial constraints. Fortunately, my desire to pursue a master’s degree at the UoN was fulfilled when I secured a scholarship opportunity sponsored by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the International Science Program (ISP) of Uppsala University in Sweden.
Laser physics and spectroscopy
During my master’s program, I specialized in laser physics and spectroscopy. My dedication and excellent performance in this field earned me another chance to pursue an ISP-sponsored PhD degree in the same area of specialization. I am now on track to graduate in September 2024 from UoN.
In May 2024, I was privileged to showcase my work in the East Africa Summer School for Optics and Lasers at the Multimedia University of Kenya, in which I was honored to receive a best poster award in second place. As I near the completion of my Ph.D. program, my research interests have evolved toward vibrational spectroscopy, combined with optical imaging and machine learning for live cell disease diagnosis. This cutting-edge research holds promise for significant advancements in medical diagnostics and has become my primary focus.
Give back to the community
Beyond my academic ambitions, I am driven by a deep desire to give back to the community that nurtured my early love for science. I am particularly passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, particularly young girls in physics, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
For instance, I have had the privilege of working with high school students through the Elimisha Msichana Elimisha Jamii na Astronomia (EMEJA) initiative which was profoundly rewarding. Witnessing the enthusiasm and growth of these young girls reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship. By providing quality education and inspiring mentorship, we are not only empowering individual students, but also uplifting entire communities.
Empowering women
I believe that with the right support and guidance, the next generation of female scientists can achieve incredible things, breaking down barriers and pushing the frontiers of knowledge. As I continue my research and mentorship endeavors, I am driven by a vision of a world where more girls and young women are inspired to pursue careers in science and technology.
In sharing my journey, I hope it serves as an inspiration to young women from similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams in the sciences. The road may be challenging, but with determination, passion, and the right opportunities, anything is possible.
Annah Moraa Ondieki, University of Nairobi, Kenya
This article has been published by the African Physics Newsletter in April 2025. It is reproduced with the authorization of the American Physical Society.
